A recent incident of information theft at a Canadian university highlights the need for safeguarding personal information stored on laptops and mobile devices kept in offices or taken off Queen's premises.

The university’s policy on protecting personal information stored on Queen’s devices and Queen’s premises states that:

• personal information must be encrypted if it is stored on laptops or other media like USB drives;
• all personal information must be protected physically, and locked at all times;
• additional physical controls such as alarms and motion detectors must be active in areas where personal and confidential information is stored.

The university has procedures for encrypting digital information. Instructions at the links below will help Queen’s community members protect their information.

Guidelines for encrypting information

Tools and process for encrypting information

In addition, Queen’s community members can get help with physical security measures like alarms and motion detectors by calling Queen’s Security at (613) 533-6111. 


For assistance with encrypting information and related advice, call the ITS support centre at (613) 533-6666.